The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested a new version of the Akash Missile – ‘Akash Prime’ successfully from the Integrated Test Range at Odisha’s Chandipur on Monday at around 4:30 pm. The test was carried out against a high-speed unmanned aerial target which was successfully intercepted by the missile, the DRDO said in a press release.
It intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircrafts, in its maiden flight test after improvements. In comparison with the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active RF (radio frequency) seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low temperature environments, at higher altitudes. The modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system was for the flight test. The range stations of the ITR, comprising of Radars, EOTS (Electro Optical Tracking System) and Telemetry stations, monitored the missile trajectory and flight parameters. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Army, Indian Air Force and other stakeholders on the successful trial of the Akash prime missile. He said the successful flight test proves the competence of the DRDO in designing and developing world-class missile systems and the development of this state-of-the-art missile system will prove to be a force multiplier for air defence capabilities of Indian Air Force.
DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy also congratulated the team involved in the successful flight trial of the missile. He said Akash Prime system will further boost the confidence of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force as the Akash system is already inducted and now getting improved with more lethal missiles.
